Our story takes place around 336 B.C.E, during the Silk Road in China, where trade and commerce flourished. I was a scholar who would travel around the world to share my research on theories and even taught important leaders, like Alexander the Great of Macedonia. I was coming back from Constantinople, Turkey after gathering with a group of my fellow scholars who came up with the revelation of a possible cure for Leprosy.
While I was shopping for some things that I could take back home like some spices and ivory, a thief ran right through me and tripped on my leg. We got up at the same time and made eye contact before he ran towards the ships. By the time he was halfway there, I realized that he had taken some of my stuff as well!
I viciously ran to retrieve my stolen property when the bell rang for all ships’ departure. Cursing the thief and all those who let him pass by, I sat down, thinking of what my next step should be. “How is your journey so far, weary traveler?”, a young maiden asks, noticing my disgruntled state. “Much better now that I am in the presence of your beauty, madam,” I say, hoping my charm sways her”. “I am delighted to hear that. Say, would you like to join me and my family at a banquet?. I had a guest but unfortunately, he had more pressing matters to attend to.” Cautious of the invitation, I think about the offer and decide to go. What could go wrong? Besides, a banquet requires food, and my hunger grew more and more.
When we arrived, I was greeted with animal heads and a dark atmosphere. I question the young woman, “What is the meaning of this?”. The woman replies in a raspy, withered voice, “Something you would not be able to comprehend. Tie him up!”.
Three men in dark cloaks rush towards me and hold me. With every bit of strength I had, I broke free of the grip of one of the men and charged for the door, seeing the light. I let out a yell, “Help, help!” In hopes that someone could hear me. To my surprise, an old man comes to my aid and assists me in getting up. “What are you running from, young man?”. I look bewildered. Did you not see those men chasing me?”. The old man replied, “Maybe it is my feeble eyes that fail me. You look like a weary traveler. Would you like to rest in my inn to collect yourself?”
Cautious of the invitation, I think about the offer and decide to go. What could go wrong? As we walk across the path toward the inn, I reflect on the old man’s words, thinking, “where had I heard this from?”. I look over towards him as a sly grin appears on his face. I turned around to run again, but just as before it was too late.